Dogs on the beach: great or a nuisance?

[Tarifa]

I can understand people want to take their dogs to the beach with them. There's an unwritten convention that certain parts of the beaches where I normally go are, let's say, 'dog friendly'. Usually at the very end of a long stretch.

This very morning, there were 3 owners who let their dogs loose. They of course found nothing better to do than run along the shoreline. Dogs are not to blame, but I think their owners should keep an eye on them if they clearly bother other people.

What are your thoughts?

[EzraIsShy76028]

A nuisance because uh oh... STINKY! Ha ha ha ha poop! Yay for poopie! Good poopie! Poop in pants! No diaper! Kek kek kek poopy underwear now!

In all seriousness though I just simply don't want to encounter dog poop in the sand.

A LOT of owners unfortunately don't pick up after their dogs. And I don't want my bare feet to suddenly encounter dog poop while I'm having fun in the sand!

[SillyMari]

I would say it really depends... Is the dog well trained or not trained and is the type to run to everyone?

If Trained, I see no problem with a properly behaved dog that isn't going up to everyone of us shaking water and sand all over us? That dog is more than welcome.

Now if the dog isn't trained properly and is super hyper? No please don't bring your dog! - I feel like nobody wants someone's random dog to just run up to the ocean then run back to a stranger and shake water all over you and then risk the dog jumping and getting scratched and sand where i feel like sand shouldn't be.. Um.. Please keep that dog home with a sitter.

I love animals and if the dog isn't aggressive.. They are amazing.

[Xoxocutekitty]

Usually it's quite exciting and fun to see a dog on a beach.

That said, nobody wants a random dog barrelling towards you/your child constantly sticking their nose all up in your business. Problem is those owners lack empathy or the moral compass to do the right thing (lease their POORLY BEHAVED DOG) - ruining it for everyone else.

[Tarifa]

Exactly what I experienced a while back. I was just minding my own business when a dog, probably a Pit Bull Terrier, came running straight to me, ran over my towel towards the sea, then ran back the same way towards the owner. A couple of minutes later, the same situation ocurred, only this time the dog just kept harrassing me. At which point the onwer came over and apologized. It was probably still not a full grown dog and maybe just wanted to play. Still, I think they should be kept on a leash or under strict control.

[Chazmatazz269]

If it’s a public area of any kind, dog owners should keep their dogs impeccably well trained or on a leash, and pick up their messes. That includes piddle in dry sand at the beach. We shouldn’t have to walk in dog mess because dog owners are lazy or entitled. First offense should be a hefty enough fine to make bad behavior cost prohibitive. Second offense, jail time and the dog goes to the pound. Ten times the original fine to get them back out. Third offense, permanent trespass from the beach and all associated parks and properties. Violation of the trespass is a felony. Dog gets put down and owner goes to prison.

[contentious]

In Florida we have dedicated dog beaches in certain places where dogs can go and play with other dogs like a dog park. There are also a number of beaches that aren't all that populated so "no dog" rules aren't enforced very often. When it comes to beaches that attract large crowds around major cities, I'd say leave the dogs home.

[Kori1236]

We don’t really have beaches here but a lot of places don’t allow the dogs in the water or shoreline which personally bothers me I specifically looked for places to camp so my dog could enjoy swimming in the water. But other people that failed to pick up after their dog or control them ruined it for others.


I personally don’t have an issue with dogs on a beach provided the owners clean up after them and can keep them under control be that on leash or having a solid recall.

[FreyaRed]

Dog beaches are dog poop beaches. We have very fine bright yellow silica sand on our beaches and I don't want dog turd particles in it. I appreciate dogs don't have access to 95% of our beaches because we all know lot of dog owners don't collect "gold" that comes from dog asses like they are obliged on most places.

[Sirenboobzilla]

I'm ok with well behaved dogs at the beach. As long as they're not constantly barkingand stuff. There was this one couple who brought their golden retriever and sat up behind me and my mom. He was sick and sweetie! Hardly made a peep, wanted to play, then just relaxed under their umbrella

[WindAtMyBack]

Dogs should not be in ANY public place except going for walks on the street. Even that is pushing it.

This trend to take dogs everywhere is absurd. I was at the grocery store the other day and somebody's damn dog was barking so loud you could hear it all over the store. It kept going and going and going. The idiot owner just let the dog do it. I should have called the cops on them.

[Purpleronnie]

Dogs are never the problem it’s the owner or let’s face it the person that’s with the dog as this doesn’t have to be the owner.
It’s pretty simple , if your dog isn’t trained to respond appropriately to your commands then it should be on a short leash.


A beach can be a very public place , I’d expect the owner / person with the dog to be mindful of the public space and anyone in it. That’s just respect for your fellow humans.

[fivebyfour]

Where I live, dogs are not allowed on certain stretches of the beach during summer, but generally speaking I'm happy to see dogs around,,,

[Tarifa]

I think the key aspect is respect. Dogs don't know any better, although some have different characters. In the end, it's the owner who should take care of his or her dog at all times. It makes it enjoyable for everyone.

[Shiprex]

Beaches aren't just for people. They are used by all members of households including pets who, like children, can be noticed by entitled selfish people and that's a them problem. Sure if a dog is out of control that's an owner's problem but then the beach is probably not where that owner should be taking their animals to.

[andreasderjuengere]

Children are worse, actually.
Having 2 dogs myself, I taught them ("training" isn't my thing) to know the limits of where fun ends.
And it is my own responsibility to decide which places are ok to go to, or where 'we' might be in wrong company. ... I don't want my dog buddies to meet the wrong kind of people.
This includes beaches.

[just_a_potato]

Okay I'm gonna get hate for this but... I'm kinda not a dog person, so I'm biased. Don't want dogs trying to lick me on the beach because no one seems to train theirs anymore. 😭

[beenherebefore]

I’m really not a fan especially if the dog doesn’t know how to behave and the owner doesn’t give a F.

[purplepoppy]

As long as they're not aggressive I say just let them play.

[OneViewpoint]

If your dog shits in front of my blanket on the beach, is it OK if I shit in front of your blanket? Can I lift my leg and piss on your cooler? Stick my face in your food?

[Staximus]

Here there is a designated area at the beach for dogs. Dogs are not allowed on other parts of the beach. Nobody wants to go to the beach and step in dog shit barefoot.

[Miristheiss]

Unless the owners really watch them, keep them from bothering people, pick up after them... poop and all they have the potential to annoy people.

[2_beHappy]

Neither. They re just dogs, and the beaches are just part of nature, it shouldn t belong to someone specific

[Paige90]

I go to the beach every week and think dogs should be allowed on the beach but should be on a leash

[Anonymous]

In most civilized countries beside America people train their dogs. In America it's a crap shot. So I would lean to nuisance, as obnoxious people always have obnoxious dogs.

[exitseven]

keep them tied up. Don;t bring them to Home Depot either.

[blackeagle007]

Not even service ones?

[HelenaHandbasket]

Pets are always a joy when they are under control. When they attack or chase, or growl at people, their people should take them away.

[Kingofkings1992]

Dogs don’t belong at the beach or the store, unless they are service dogs. Just taking your dog with you grocery shopping for the hell of it is absurd, and disrespectful to others.

[Brandi555]

Depends I guess. But I love watching dogs play on the beach. They’re so happy.

[dragoblack]

Its fine as long as they are on a leash and the owner actually pick up after them when they poop

[Aiko_E_Lara]

Depends on how it's trained. And there's a chance that you were a nuisance as a kid

[seeyounexttuesday]

I'm fine in the off season, but beach is for people during peak season.

[Anonymous]

It can be fun, but most people would consider it nuisance.

[sage2021]

Not good for a lot of people!! Not at the beach.

[slatyb]

Much better than cars on the beach.

[DrPepper12]

GREAT! Not stores!!!

[douride2]

i like dogs. Not at the beach though.

[Jamie05rhs]

What's the problem? Dogs are awesome.

[Kelly6]

@Tarifa fine with me, see them often

[MOUTHWASHING]

It is very annoying and unhygenic

[qwerty2469]

Dogs in general are a nuisance.

[Iron_Man]

Great

[zombiewoof]

Depends on the dog